If we have not spoken directly with clients regarding an emergency case, be sure they have accurate expectations. UCVMC-San Diego clinicians receive cases requiring immediate dialytic therapy directly, whether during normal hours or after hours/on weekends. After-hours cases not requiring immediate dialysis may be received by an emergency doctor at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital (with whom we work closely) who will communicate directly with us on the patient’s arrival/assessment, and will transfer the patient the following morning for further care.

Be sure clients have accurate financial estimates.

Patients requiring dialysis: Our standard dialysis estimate is $3500-$4000 for the first 2-3 treatments and $600-$700 per treatment thereafter. (This includes lab tests, dialysis catheter placement, feeding tube placement, anesthesia, oxygen, and transfusion if necessary), not including hospitalization at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital. The first three treatments will span 3-5 days. Depending on the caliber and intensity of care required by a given patient, hospitalization costs will range from $300-$1200/day. Detailed estimates are provided once a patient is assessed. Clients whose patients will be receiving dialylsis will be required to leave a deposit of between $2000-$3000 before treatment and will also be required to leave a deposit at Veterinary Specialty Hospital.

Many initially critical dialysis patients will be able to become dialysis outpatients after several days of therapy. This substantially decreases associated costs, since hospitalization charges are eliminated, and significantly improves patient quality of life.